819.00 Revolutions/8: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Davis)
1. Your 96, June [January] 2, 9 a.m. The Department approves of your action in not calling troops out unless necessary for the protection of American lives. Unless it is necessary to do so for the maintenance of public order in the cities of Panama and Colon, the Department does not want troops used and if they should be used they should be returned to the Canal Zone as soon as public order is restored. In any event it is most important that they should be used only for the maintenance of public order and not in any manner whatsoever in connection with the internal political affairs of Panama.
Arrange with the Governor of the Canal Zone and General Brown that appropriate steps be taken so that no political activities can be carried on from the Canal Zone either by revolutionists or Government authorities or any persons who may take refuge in the Canal Zone.
Cable fully all the details of the movement and all subsequent developments.
Department appreciates the delicate and difficult situation which you are handling and has confidence in your judgment.